Every year for the last four years, CONABIO (National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity) has invited the public to participate in a nationwide photography contest celebrating Mexico’s extraordinary richness in flora, fauna and natural wonders.

This year, 9,566 photographs were entered by professional and amateur photographers hoping to win prize money of up to 25,000 pesos. Taking pride of place among this year’s finalists are Jalisco photographers Jesús “Chuy” Moreno and Alejandro Prieto.

Last week, the 73 best photographs were put on display at the Rejas de Chapultepec open-air gallery in Mexico City, where Moreno traveled to participate in a tour of the selected images.

During an introduction to the exhibit, Moreno elaborated on his photo of a tequila bat eating the pollen of an agave.